A DOCTOR'S surgery that provides out-of-hours cover could be relocated from Northwick Park Hospital.

The Primary Care Centre (PCC), on the fifth floor of the hospital in Watford Road, Harrow, deals with patients referred by the NHS Direct helpline when their own practice is closed.

It is run by a consortium of local doctors called Harmoni (HARrow Medics Out of hours Network), which rents the rooms at the hospital.

But a letter to members of Harrow Council from the former chief executive of NHS Harrow, Dr Sarah Crowther, said it could move because 'there have been patient complaints regarding accommodation'.

Janet Bill, general manager for Harmoni North-West London, said: "Harmoni is considering the possibility of moving its primary care centre, which is currently based at Northwick Park Hospital, to an alternative location.

"The current location is not ideal and a small number of people have commented on this, but it is important any change of location ensures greater convenience for patients. We are liaising with the primary care trust to consider options but nothing has yet been decided."

Harrow councillor Mark Versallion (Conservative), a non-executive director of North-West London Hospitals NHS Trust, which owns and runs Northwick Park, said: "This is the first I have heard about it. It's never come up at board meetings and, as a councillor, I've only had two complaints about the hospital this year, neither about the PCC."

A spokesman for the hospital trust said: "We would be happy to discuss with Harmoni their concerns, so that we can find the best solution for all parties and, of course, patients using the service."

Patients using the PCC cannot drop by uninvited for a consultation but must make an appointment to see the GP on duty. Alternatively a practice nurse can give advice over the telephone.